Treatments for Migraine Relief

Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine knows how extremely painful it can be. Finding effective migraine pain relief can be tricky especially if it seems as though you have tried everything under the sun. Some migraine sufferers choose the prescription medication route which can be effective when used in moderation. There are a number of different medication options that if you are a long-time migraine sufferer, your doctor may have already discussed those options with you. There are some individuals who choose a different route, mainly because they have tried all of those medications and have simply had no success with them.

There are various types of home treatments that are also available to help individuals relieve their migraine pain. If you have taken one medication after the other, it could be one of your only options. No matter what route you choose on the path to migraine relief, it is important to educate yourself on the different treatment options so you can soon discover the best possible option for you and those frustrating migraines. Here are some of those options, of all different types, that will help you to make an informed decision about your health.

Medications for Migraine Relief

A migraine is a neurological condition that causes the dilation of blood vessels, pain, as well as inflammation. Due to the fact that migraines cause pain, they are often treated with pain medication and other prescription drugs. Some drugs are even over-the-counter medications but these are typically only recommended for mild to moderate migraine headaches. Taking the medication right away is the key component to ridding yourself of your headache fast and effectively. Staying in a dark room or area will also help relieve your pain much faster. Here are some of the most common options when it comes to medication for migraine sufferers.

Pain Relievers

For individuals who suffer from mild migraine headaches, over-the-counter medications are often recommended. Medications such as ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs, have been proven to decrease migraine pain if the pain is not severe. Other over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, Excedrin migraine (which contains caffeine), and aspirin have also been known to treat migraine pain, are simply not effective for individuals who experience severe migraine pain.

These specific over-the-counter medications may be good for temporary mild relief, it is not good to take them for more than a short period of time. Studies have shown that many of these medications have the ability to cause even more headaches, as well as stomach bleeding or ulcers. If you experience nausea with your migraine headaches, there is a prescription pain medication called indomethacin that can be helpful for both pain relief, as well as migraine-induced nausea.

Triptans

There are a number of individuals who suffer from migraines daily that take triptans as a form of migraine treatment. These prescription drugs have the ability to constrict blood vessels and blocking certain pathways in and around the brain. They are also able to relieve the pain associated with migraine headaches, as well as some of the other symptoms caused by migraines. A number of these medications are able to be prescribed in pill, injection, and nasal spray forms.

There are some mild side effects that come with taking these medications but they are mild to moderate in nature. Some of these include: drowsiness, muscle weakness, and nausea. If you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke, it is not recommended that you take any type of Triptan medication.

Ergots

While ergots are much less impactful on migraine headaches than triptans, they are still commonly prescribed for migraine pain. This prescription medication is a combination of caffeine and Ergotamine. These types of medications are traditionally only prescribed to individuals who suffer from mild to moderate migraine headaches. In some cases, Ergotamine can cause you to be even more nauseous and even have severe bouts with vomiting.

There are alternatives to taking ergots that do not have as many of the side effects associated with them. Medications such as Migranal is of the same family of drugs but does not come with the nausea and vomiting.

Prevention Drugs

There are several medications that can be prescribed to help prevent future migraines primarily if you have experienced migraines in the past. Beta blockers which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, also have the ability to reduce the frequency of your migraine headaches. Antidepressants such as Tricyclic, can also be effective in treating and reducing the occurrence of migraine headaches.

Anti-seizure medications are sometimes prescribed to assist with the common symptoms of migraines and also keep them from reoccurring. These medications, however, can cause severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and even hair loss.

Home Remedies for Migraine Headaches

There are a number of home remedies for migraines that are widely used as a form of migraine relief. These remedies have been proven to be extremely effective for individuals who need instant relief without the inconvenience of taking various medications. These treatment options can relieve migraine pain, as well as some of the other symptoms that are associated with moderate to severe migraine pain. Many individuals prefer these remedies over prescription and over-the-counter medications because most of them come from natural sources.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil not only has a beautiful smell but it can be used as a remedy for migraine pain and headaches. There are two different ways that you can use lavender oil, topically, or through inhalation. If you choose to use the inhalation method, you simply need to put in 2-4 drops of lavender oil in three cups of steaming boiling water.

These vapors will help relieve migraine headache pain and also relieve some of the stress associated with migraine headaches. Lavender oil can also be used topically where there is severe pain but it should never be taken orally.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another calming home remedy that has been widely used to treat tension and migraine headaches. It has a soft and fresh smell which consists of vaso-dilating and vaso-constricting properties that help blood flow freely throughout your body.

Migraine headaches are typically caused by poor blood circulation and peppermint oil helps to open up your blood vessels and promote a healthy blood flow throughout the body. This oil also has the ability to open up your sinuses and help you breathe better.

Basil Oil

While you usually see basil on top of pizzas and other foods, basil oil can be used for the treatment of migraine headache pain. This is a great option for a natural treatment as it comes from basil plants. It has the ability to relieve tension in the muscles which can also relieve your migraine headache pain.

Massages

Do-it-yourself scalp massages have been known to help with the relief of migraine headache pain. If the optical nerve that is at the back of your head can be massaged, you will experience instant relief. Any type of massage can help with migraine especially if you understand the art of reflexology and how massage effects the different areas of the body. It relieves tension throughout the body, causing a more normal flow of blood, which in turn relieves moderate to severe pain associated with migraines.

Other Treatment Options

When it comes to the question of how to treat migraines, the possibilities are truly endless. Majority of it depends on personal preference and what works for that specific individual. There are a number of other treatment possibilities for migraines, especially when it comes to home remedies. There are certain vitamins, as well as diet changes that have the ability to significantly impact the pain and consistency of migraine headaches.

Conclusion

Discovering the proper treatment option for you when it comes to migraine pain can be challenging. Some individuals prefer to take medication for the pain while others prefer a more natural and holistic approach to their pain relief. Much of it depends on the severity of your migraine pain along with personal preference. If you experience mild migraine pain, over-the-counter medications may work for you. If your pain is more severe, you may require a stronger medication to help you to relieve your migraine pain. Much of it requires experimentation, as well as an open mind.

The best possible step you can take to relieving your migraine headache pain is consulting your physician. Knowing your medical history, as well as the severity of your migraines will help them to provide you with the best medical or at-home treatments for your consistent headaches. Keep in mind that every person is different and requires a different form of treatment to relieve their pain. In other words, what works for some, does not work for others. Consult your physician to discover the best possible treatment options for you. No one should have to suffer from migraine headache pain. So don’t continue to suffer.